Skoda Octavia set for 2024 facelift
Pricing is to be revealed later this year- expected to slightly exceed the car’s current cost of £25,965
Skoda has teased potential changes to the Octavia, including a redesigned headlight structure, a refreshed grille and new air intakes for 2024.
It comes following the brand's announcement last year about its all-electric future plans, which include all-new, battery powered Superb and Kodiaqs.
The facelifted Octavia, available in both hatchback and estate versions, is also expected to feature enhanced front and rear bumpers, modernised rear lights, and for the performance-oriented vRS model, larger alloy wheels, a distinctive body kit, and stylish red accents.
In terms of technology, the 2024 Octavia will also adopt an interior design shift towards more tactile controls. Both the central and driver's screens will remain at 10 inches, though like the recently teased 2024 VW Golf, the new Octavia will also benefit from an updated infotainment system.
Under the hood, the Octavia will continue to use the MQB Evo platform, offering a range of powertrains including petrol, mild-hybrid, and diesel options. While not fully electric yet, the plug-in hybrid models are expected to retain the 13kWh battery, providing around 34 miles of electric range.
Pricing details for the updated Octavia will be announced later in the year.
Skoda's parent company, Volkswagen is also set to revitalise its iconic Golf hatchback with the release of an updated eighth-generation model in early 2024. This move comes after the current model, launched in 2019, faced mixed reactions over its bold design choices and complex in-car technology. Volkswagen aims to win back customer approval by refining both the design and functionality of the new Golf. Teasers on social media also hint at significant exterior changes, including new LED headlights, an illuminated emblem for UK models, a slimmer grille, and updated lighting at both the front and rear. The updated Golf is also expected to incorporate Chat GPT AI technology in its infoatinment system.
Internally, the Golf 8, like the updated Octavia, will see major improvements to address the previous model's software issues and complicated digital interfaces, focusing on enhancing user experience.
The Golf will continue to offer a wide range of powertrains, including petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrids, and the performance-focused GTI and R variants, with diesel options remaining uncertain in some markets.
The launch coincides with the Golf's 50th anniversary, hinting at possible special editions, especially for the GTI, as part of the celebrations.